Classes to be taught:

• Science

  Using Life Science from Purposeful Design Publications, we discover and study the wonders of the created world through a biblical worldview. We study cells, heredity and genetics, taxonomy and the three domains and six kingdoms. Students are engaged in topics through investigation and observation of the world around them.

• English

  Using Sadlier’s Grammar for Writing, Level “Purple,” students are engaged in grade-specific goals for the writing process and language conventions. We will also use Sadlier’s Vocabulary Workshop Level B to engage students with a multimedia approach in mastering the meaning of more complex words—especially those that draw their meaning primarily from context.

• Literature

  Literature classes begin a two-year progression that begins in 7th Grade. Students will be engaged in a streamlined, comprehensive English Language Arts program, utilizing the Progress English Language Arts textbook. These grade level textbooks will provide students with an opportunity to increase their exposure to the four important components of literacy: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Diction (Language/vocabulary enhancement). Students will develop and improve their understanding of both basic and advanced literary terminology, as well acquire and increase their use of academic and domain-specific vocabulary. In addition, students will utilize the grade level appropriate Close Reading of Complex Textbooks. This is where in-depth reading, reading annotation, and text analysis will take place to help students gain a strong skill set in drawing connections between ideas and details contained within a variety of texts—including significant pieces of literature, such as novels, short-stories, poetry, drama, and a variety of related and integrated nonfiction (informational readings and historical readings). Throughout the course, students will be asked to participate in independent reading to help students gain the confidence needed to improve their reading fluency and literacy skills. Students will also improve their writing and research skills through the analysis of writing models, as well as engaging in writing both informational and narrative essays with a strong emphasis on the use of appropriate language usage and the MLA writing format. Throughout the course, faith-based learning and biblical integration will be incorporated into the reading curriculum to help students develop a strong spiritual perspective and biblically based worldview.

• Bible

  Seventh grade uses the Summit Ministries Walking in Truth: Competing Worldviews curriculum.  Based upon their foundational knowledge of God and the Bible, students will analyze, evaluate, and critique competing worldviews such as Islam, naturalism, and new spirituality, in comparison with a Biblical Christian worldview.  Students will study Biblical themes and truths found in the books of Romans and the Corinthians, focusing on sin, faith salvation, worship, the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, and moral issues in the church.  Reading, interpreting, memorizing, and discussing scripture is the heart of 7th grade Bible class, ensuring that these early Christian church principles are understood and adopted so that Bible-based, life applications can be strongly reinforced and solidified

• History

  Students study World Studies utilizing the BJU Press curriculum. We look at key events in world history, examining topics such as creation, cultural development, colonization throughout the earth, revolutions and their founding ideas, World Wars, and the global community. Students will gain experience in writing, reporting, group projects, and interactive class activities that correspond with the current history lesson.

• Math

  Saxon Math (courses 1-3) is taught throughout middle school. This curriculum divides math concepts into small, easily-understood pieces that span several lessons. Each daily lesson incorporates daily spiral reviews to aid students in practicing and applying learned math concepts. A seventh-grade student would typically take Course 2; however, advanced students may be permitted to take Course 3 in preparation for completing Algebra 1 in the eighth grade.

• Spanish 

• Computer Tech

  Computer Technology class prepares students for entry into 21 century technology in a safe and supervised environment. Students build upon their learning in their earliler years to gain proficiency in their computer literacy skills, understanding of nternet safety, and coding/logic skills. They also learn keyboarding and word processing skills, use of presentation tools, the online research process, and use of web-based applications. Middle school students receive their own chromebook to use in their classes under the direction of their teachers to further hone their computer proficiency skills.

Classes to be taught:

• Science

  Using Earth Science by Purposeful Design Publications, students study the Creationist view of earth’s history and critically examine evolution-based methodologies. Scientific philosophies and models of our earth are studied as well as meteorology, geology, and oceanography.

• English

  Using Sadlier’s Grammar for Writing Level “Yellow,” students are engaged in grade-specific goals for the writing process and language conventions. We will also use Sadlier’s Vocabulary Workshop Level C to engage students with a multimedia approach in mastering the meaning of more complex words—especially those that draw their meaning primarily from context.

• Literature

  Literature classes follow a two-year progression that began in 7th Grade. Students will be engaged in a streamlined, comprehensive English Language Arts program utilizing the Progress English Language Arts textbook. These grade-level textbooks will provide students with an opportunity to increase their exposure to the four important components of literacy: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Diction (Language/vocabulary enhancement). Students will develop and improve their understanding of both basic and advanced literary terminology, as well acquire and increase their use of academic and domain-specific vocabulary. In addition, students will utilize the grade level appropriate Close Reading of Complex Textbooks. This is where in-depth reading, reading annotation, and text analysis will take place to help students gain a strong skill set in drawing connections between ideas and details contained within a variety of texts—including significant pieces of literature, such as novels, short-stories, poetry, drama, and a variety of related and integrated nonfiction (informational readings and historical readings). Throughout the course, students will be asked to participate in independent reading to help students gain the confidence needed to improve their reading fluency and literacy skills. Students will also improve their writing and research skills through the analysis of writing models, as well as engaging in writing both informational and narrative essays with a strong emphasis on the use of appropriate language usage and the MLA writing format. Throughout the course, faith-based learning and biblical integration will be incorporated into the reading curriculum to help students develop a strong spiritual perspective and biblically based worldview.

• Bible

  Using the Summit Ministries Walking in Truth: Christianity in Action curriculum, students will participate in active discussion of their involvement and engagement in the current culture.  Students will analyze and evaluate their daily and lifelong application of a Biblical, Christian worldview, as seen through the academic disciplines of philosophy, ethics, theology, psychology, sociology, history, and biology. Eighth grade continues a course of study of Biblical themes and truths from a variety of the Epistles found in scripture, focusing on Paul’s instruction to Timothy, his counsel to the church, the superiority of Christ, and faith lived out in humility and hope, especially in the last days.  Reading, interpreting, memorizing, and discussing scripture is the heart of Bible class, ensuring that these early Christian church principles are understood and adopted so that Bible-based, life applications can be practiced faithfully.

• History

  Students study American Heritage utilizing the BJU Press curriculum as they continue to survey United States history with the goal of a comprehensive overview of our nation’s progression from discovery to the 21st Century.

• Math

  Saxon Math (courses 1-3) is taught throughout middle school. This curriculum divides math concepts into small, easily-understood pieces that span several lessons. Each daily lesson incorporates daily spiral reviews to aid students in practicing and applying learned math concepts. A seventh grade student would typically take Course 2; however, advanced students may be permitted to take Course 3 in preparation for completing Algebra 1 in the eighth grade.

• Spanish 

• Computer Tech

  Computer Technology class prepares students for entry into 21 century technology in a safe and supervised environment. Students build upon their learning in their earliler years to gain proficiency in their computer literacy skills, understanding of nternet safety, and coding/logic skills. They also learn keyboarding and word processing skills, use of presentation tools, the online research process, and use of web-based applications. Middle school students receive their own chromebook to use in their classes under the direction of their teachers to further hone their computer proficiency skills.

• Camp Dark Waters

  Students are involved in group problem-solving activities and team building exercises to foster unity, leadership skills, and cooperation.

• End-of-Year Middle School Trip

  The middle school year culminates with an end of year class trip. Students help to raise money to fund the trip through back sales, and Christmas candy cane grams.

• Community Service

  Service Learning Projects happen throughout the year providing students the opportunity to serve the community at home and abroad to demonstrate the love of Christ to others.  Each year, middle school students lead a schoolwide Operation Christmas Child service project that provides Christmas gifts to less fortunate children around the world.  They also are given opportunities to come alongside of younger students and their teachers to assist where needed.  Students have participated in Saturday clean up projects on the property as well.  Teachers have also selected students to attend the ACSI Leadership Conference which provides opportunities for selected middle school students to develop spiritual leadership while participating in activities and seminars with other students from other Christian schools in the area. 

• Mentor Groups

• Chapel

• Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences

• Study Skills

  Middle school students are required to take a Study Skills class to learn note-taking techniques and time management skills, as well as reading for comprehension and organization. The curriculum is designed to help students build effective study skills that aptly prepare them for the rigor of high school academics.

• Spiritual Emotional Learning

  Friendzy, a biblically-based social emotional learning program has helped us to talk about biblical friendship with students at TCA as we work with them to meet their spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs. The program teaches friendship skills and emotional intelligence through the lens of Scripture, with a focus on cultivating a safe and Christ-centered school community. Friendzy provides opportunities for students to develop and grow in their understanding of Christ-like living and healthy relationship skills, self-confidence, responsible decision-making skills, practicing empathy, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Monthly, students learn new friendship-focused catchphrases anchored by scripture. They also spend time with their teachers unpacking the catchphrase and key verses through lessons, conversations, reflective activities, and prayer.

• Music

  A Kodály-based methodology is used to teach General Music Grades 6-8 at TCA, which exposes students to various genres and styles of music from composers throughout history. They will discover the basic elements of music from countries around the world while also learning how to analyze and describe music. In this course, students will receive a hands-on learning experience with instruments like the ukulele, guitar and piano along with developing the ability to compose and arrange music within specified guidelines. Music is a human response to God’s world, His words, and His works.

• Art

• Computer Technology

• Physical Education

• Musical Period

  This course offers students in Grades 5-8 the opportunity to engage in all the different aspects of producing and performing in a musical. Besides the option to audition for roles in the Middle School Spring Musical, students will learn the basics of acting, staging and blocking as well as the jobs of the sound and stage crew. They are also involved in creating scenery, props, choreography and playbills. We honor God through our giftedness, committing our living service to Him.

• Foreign Language

• Yearbook

  Students work together with dedicated sponsors to compile photography, event coverage, conversations, and quotes to craft each school year’s essence, so they can have a concrete reminder of that season of their lives. This is a great leadership opportunity.

• Select Choir

  Select Choir is open to students in grades 6-8 who want to focus on proper vocal technique as they learn to perform various musical selections, including holiday music and show tunes. There will be a focus on developing a healthy singing technique. Students will perform in both the Christmas and Spring concerts, as well as off-campus performances periodically throughout the year. Worship is our constant activity encompassing all aspects of a person and their life in devotion to The Lord Jesus.

• Piano

  The Beginner Piano Class is for students who have not previously studied piano or taken lessons in grades 3-8. Small group piano lessons are given before school with the music teacher once a week. Students will learn the basics of reading music and practical piano skills using both hands. We honor God through our giftedness, committing our living service to Him.

• Worship Team

• Art

  DRAWING ELECTIVE – In this class students take an in-depth look at the Elements of Art and how they are applied to the drawing medium.  Students have an opportunity to hone their techniques while exploring a variety of art styles, while also learning how to make their drawings look more realistic and believable through value and shading techniques.  Learning how the finesse of line work can suggest shape and dimension in their own work is augmented by observing how artists exaggerate proportions and silhouette in many art forms to create truly unique characters.   Students delve into color theory and learn how color schemes can improve their characters and environments.  Finally, the course creates more advanced art perspectives as students explore various art styles including realism, word art, op art, zentangle art, cartooning, and anime.   PAINTING ELECTIVE  – In this course students are given the opportunity to explore a variety of art mediums.  The class studies the Elements of Art and how those elements pertain to painting.  Painting students explore color theory in painting and how to use color schemes in an aesthetically pleasing way.  Students will learn how to suggest shading, highlights and form with various media in addition to practicing  inking and line-work to refine their own artwork.  The class explores various painting techniques and learns how to effectively and safely use their art materials.  The course includes lessons on water colors, oil pastels, tempera painting, acrylic painting and decorative arts.

• STEM

• Concert Band

  Concert Band is open to students in grades 4-8 who desire to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument of their choice in a collaborative setting. Small group lessons will be given to instruct students on the proper technique for playing chosen instruments and how to read music notation. Students will learn and perform music from a variety of styles, composers and stages in history. Instrumentalists will collaborate as an ensemble to produce concerts at Christmas and in the Spring. Music is a God-given expression for community and remembrance.

• String Ensemble

  String Ensemble is open to students in grades 4-8 who desire to play Violin, Viola or Cello in a collaborative setting. Small group lessons are given to instruct students on the proper technique for playing chosen instruments. Students will learn to perform music from a variety of styles and composers. In this course, students collaborate to produce concerts at Christmas and in the Spring. Music is a God-given expression for community and remembrance.